I'm not usually an awards show type of girl, but, for some reason, I can never resist the Academy Awards®. However, after a rather uninspiring show last year and the non-comedic choice of Hugh Jackman, I sat down last night a little doubtful.

And then...the old Hollywood glamour, the star power, the feel good wins, and the musical intro *sigh*...I make a very poor cynic.

With no more qualification than any other serious Oscar® watcher (and because I've hijacked a forum for offering my opinion), here's my Academy Awards® recap...

BEST

- Kate Winslet finally winning her first Academy Award®, and her shout out to her parents.- Hugh Jackman pulling Anne Hathaway on stage to join in on the opening act (who knew she could sing?)- The adorable children from SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE- Five past winners presenting the nominees--it cut out the awkwardness of the clips and the polite clapping.- Shorter speeches- Tina Fey and Steve Martin- The stage: call me a magpie, I like sparkly things...- And the dresses, oh the dresses...my top five favorite, in no particular order: Natalie Portman Penelope Cruz Anne Hathaway Amy Adams (I know she made several worst dressed lists, but if anyone can pull off that necklace, it's her--Either that or I'm also plagued with terrible taste) Marion Cotillard

- Random genre montages- The length--still too long!- Too many technical awards in a row. Lots of respect for all those who make a movie look and sound great--but what is the difference between sound mixing and sound editing?

And, alas, the worst dresses:

Tilda SwintonAmanda SeyfriedJessica BielBeyonce (Arguably the most beautiful woman in the world, but why those big gold flowers?)Sophia Loren

Please feel free to chime in with your own "from the couch critiques"...